Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 8/10/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh

The Tahoe Environmental Research Center’s new vessel is currently getting retrofitted for a future of research on Lake Tahoe.

“We are excited to launch our new research vessel soon,” said TERC director Stephanie Hampton. “This boat opens up new research opportunities, capabilities for operating on multi-day trips, operating nearshore, reaching locations across the lake faster and safer, and [is] better equipped to enable cutting-edge research and education.”

TERC announced last week that after meeting its fundraising goal, the new research boat is fully funded thanks to its Give Day campaign, generous supporters, and other fundraising efforts throughout the year.

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 08/17/2026, Written by Victoria Mastrocola

While many 9-year-olds can be seen building LEGO sets, playing Minecraft or participating in games like soccer or softball, Matilda Nibouar, who often goes by the nickname Tilly, is out hiking the Sierra Nevada mountains. Most recently, her 13-day, 170-mile trek on the Tahoe Rim Trail helped raise over $1700 and counting for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA). 

In 2017 at just one year old, Matilda and her parents, Katherine and Ryan, traversed for 17 days on the entire Tahoe Rim Trail, making Matilda one of the youngest to complete the single-track scenic hike that loops around Lake Tahoe.

This time around, Matilda was no longer being carried – she was dancing, singing and taking the trail by storm, all while carrying 11 pounds of gear. 

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The Chateau at the The Champions Course, Incline Village, NV 89451

 Thursday Sept. 3^rd, 2026   Doors open at 5:00 Pm             

Dinner Begins at 6:00  Pm

Please use the links below before … (date-3 days) to reserve your seats for the event

MOAA, NSF & Vet Club Members $60.00 per person

Non-MOAA, NSF, Vet Club Members $65.00 per person

Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was founded in 1861. He took the oath of office on January 7, 2019, and was sworn in for a second term as Sheriff in December 2022.

Sheriff Balaam’s career includes more than 26 years at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. He has held every rank from deputy sheriff to third-in-command as an Assistant Sheriff under Sheriff Mike Haley. His experience encompasses all three bureaus: Operations, Detention and Administration. He served as Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Detention Response Team (DRT), and Hostage Negotiations Team.  He supervised various special units, including: K9 Unit, Regional Bomb Squad, Detectives Division, Motors Unit, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (NNCTC), and Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center (NNRIC).

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada Reno and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Louisville.  Additionally, he is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Southwest Command College and the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course. He is committed to supporting education in the schools as well as promoting continuing education for his staff. 

Sheriff Balaam is a fifth-generation Nevadan, a proud grandfather and the father of four. He and his wife Heather live in Sparks. The two met at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office when they were just starting their careers as deputy sheriffs and have been married for 27 years. They come from a strong line of law enforcement officers and both of their fathers retired from the Sheriff’s Office.

At an early age, Sheriff Balaam’s parents instilled in him the importance of hard work, integrity, and to always treat others with respect. He is a firm believer in transparency, leading by example and making sure all members of the Office know they are accountable to the public they serve.

Sheriff Balaam is committed to continuing to enhance mental health services for inmates held within the Washoe County Detention Facility, responding to the prevalence of fentanyl in the community, combating sex trafficking and working with all Washoe County residents and businesses to ensure neighborhoods are safe, diverse and can thrive. He is a proponent of community policing and is dedicated to proactively addressing the root cause(s) of crime.

Make plans to join senior managers from IVGID, project planners on our Engineering team, our District General Manager Robert Harrison, and members of the IVGID Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at The Chateau for the IVGID Community Open House.

Your feedback is welcome!
This event is a great way to hear directly from venue managers and project planners and to share your thoughts and opinions with our staff.

Projects and Other Updates
We plan to have tables with information about the following projects and venues:

There will be opportunities to speak directly with the project managers leading these efforts, ask questions and provide feedback. 

DETAILS:

IVGID COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 from 4–6 p.m

Location: Ballroom @ The Chateau at Incline Village (955 Fairway Blvd., Incline Village)

Kids Welcome: Unsupervised activities for young kids will be provided in a corner of the Ballroom

Full details can be found on the online event here

Washoe County is calling for applicants for the leadership program designed specifically for residents of the Incline Village/Crystal Bay community. This free, three-day summit-style academy will address the issues and opportunities unique to north Lake Tahoe.

The Washoe Tahoe Academy will be held September 23 – September 25, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 

Selected participants will: Get a close-up look at how local government works, better understand the breadth of services available to residents, and see how the county and other governing bodies impact everyday life in Washoe Tahoe. Gain practical skills to enhance communication and leadership skills. Walk away with increased knowledge of the community, new friends, and inspiration for taking on tomorrow’s challenges! Applications are open now through August 24. This program is limited to residents of Incline Village/Crystal Bay. 

Click below to learn more and to apply.

Learn More & Apply